CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSSOn 9 October 1942, the Second Battalion, 7th Marines was completing a “blitz” against Japanese positions west of the Matanikau River. The attack commenced at 0645; by 0800, E/2/7 was in serious trouble from a Japanese machine gun on their flank. A squad from F Company was detached to assist.

PFC Robert O. Eberle was killed in action while maneuvering around the enemy position. His buddies “swore vengeance” as they buried him, and recorded the coordinates of the site. However, Eberle’s grave was never found after the war.